Funeral services for George Milton Patterson, 86, of Homer, are scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Nails Creek Baptist Church, Homer, with the Rev. Duane Eller and the Rev. Roy Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Nails Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating.

Mr. Patterson died Thursday, May 8, 2014, following an extended illness.

Born Dec. 19, 1927, in Banks County, he was a son of the late Young M. and Lila Poole Patterson. He was also preceded in death by his son, Greg Patterson; and brothers, Roy Patterson and Clyde Patterson.

Mr. Patterson was a member of Nails Creek Baptist Church, having served as a deacon for 50 years, and was actively involved in all aspects of the church. He was actively involved in education for 30 years, serving eight years as Banks County school superintendent, having also served as North Georgia Superintendent Association president. In addition to his deep commitment to education, he was actively involved in Banks County Government, having served as chairman of commissioners for 11 years. Mr. Patterson also served on the GMRDC Board and the RCDC Board.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, being the first couple married in the Nails Creek Baptist Church, Ruzelle Lewallen Patterson of Homer; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Danny Irvin of Homer; daughter, Amy Patterson of Homer; sister, Mary Ann Head of Buchanan; grandchildren, Joseph Irvin of Homer, Nick and Misty Irvin of Homer, and Stephen Irvin of Homer.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4-8 p.m. today, May 9.